Is it worht joining the PCA?

Please tell me some of your experiences, and how it's benifited you, or if it was a waste of time.

I think it depends on where you live, it's the people that make these clubs worth while. For me, it was a little disappointing, I'm still a member but I don't go to many events.

Even if you join and dont particpate in any events, you will get a monthly magazine called Panorama, which is a nice month to month read.

I generally only join car and motorcycle clubs for the magazine, but our local PCA has some interesting members who are active and well-connected in the high-end collecting and Porsche racing world at the professional level, so sometimes I go to the meetings. As far as what goes on beyond the local club level, I have no interest, and I would prefer a week at the beach to a week at the Parade hands down. I understand there are some parts discounts involved, but I have never thought to use them. As far as the PCA magazine goes - Panorama - it has some interesting articles but the layout and composition remind me of a ham radio magazine from the 1950s. All in all I prefer Excellence. It would be nice if Pano could get a 21st century makeover like the SCCA's Sports Car magazine is currently getting. So, if you aren't interested in going to club meetings, but do like good magazines, skip PCA and subscribe to Excellence. Steve 99 996 76 930 64 356C 62 356B

I agree with Riad. It varies by region. I joined last December, and have tried to go to as many events as possible within my area. The cool thing is that you can attend events from other areas too. For example, I'm in the Los Angeles region, and IMHO PCA events here are more for show and tell, whereas the San Diego region events are a bit more hardcore and into performance driving and such. Heck last weekend they put out an impressive, all Porsche, 3 day event at the California Speedway. And next September another region north of LA is organizing a special drive in memory of the 50th anniversary of James Dean's death in his 550 spyder... you bet I'll be there. So join and try for at least a year and decide for yourself. Cheers.

As riad said, it's the people that make it worthwhile. It doesn't cost much, and there are no obligations to speak of. There are social functions and car activities that can be fun regardless of whether you are a Porschephile or not. It's all about people. One thing that strikes me about my club is that it is a collection of people who are happy and content. There are no hidden agendas, no politics, bickering. Or rather, none that is unavoidable. It's a good way to find new friends.

Fast, we have a great track day coming up in 2 weeks here in Vegas. If you are interested let me know and I will point you to the registration form. Richard, even though as some have said that Pano is not as flashy as Excellence I still think it is a great resource. I get both mags and love them both. As for the club, Riad hit it on th head. It depends on your local chapter. I am lucky that the chapter here in vegas is so active and just an overall great group. There are socials, track events, breakfasts, tech sessions, concours, etc. Suggeestion? Go to a meeting to see what it is like. Call or email Bill Siefert who is the president of your local chapter ([email removed] or [phone removed]) to get more info.

Thank you all!!!!

I think our one is a bit slow http://www.musikstadtpca.org/ the one in east TN in k-town has autox events and seems a lot more active

Join your local PCA. We have an active club and a lot of fun events. Take a look at our calendar at the website highdesertpca.org. Our wives enjoy this club too because many events include a nice meal at a restaurant, an overnight hotel/lodge/motel stay. We really enjoy the cruises. It's an easy way to find friends to go watch a race or autocross. We have a few racers, too. Ninety nine percent of the people are really nice and there is no caste system in our club regarding wealth. Importantly, our club members have found the best mechanic and body shops with the best service/price ratio and that pays for your membership. I cannot say enough good about how our fun quotient went up by attending as many events as the calendar allowed. And we were already busy.

The mags are worth it, in the nymetro you also get Christophorus mag bimonthly (nice for coffee table/waiting rm and the local chapter mag that lets you know the DE schedules, etc. A number of discounts are also listed in the mags. They also turn you on to the local pcar shops to do your work and avoid dealer rape jobs. The social functions are generally a waste, I did get to sit with Letterman and Seinfeld at a table last year, kinda cool. Chris

Don't wind me up .....!!!! Herr Bobbit (PCA pres) took it on himself to "review the purpose of PCA Germany region". Created an appearent problem with insurance and killed a 40 year old region. An active club with over 60 active members and about 230 members in all distroyed because he didn't like having an overseas region. So, I'm biased against PCA for obvious reasons - I'm sure you have great guys in the regions but I don't think much of the management. I think the club deserves better.

You do understand what the "A" in PCA stands for correct? You would think with that kind of following that there would be a PCG (G meaning Germany) just affiliated but not part of PCA. It makes sense from a liability standpoint. Remember how litigous friendly our society is.

Yea, Yea, that is the same sort of S**t we heard from PCA HQ. PCA Germany was about 60% American and the other 40% various nationalities. The official story was the risk of an action in the US over something that happenned. This is no longer true as said president was, in Panorama, "happy to have official PCA treffen events in Germany". This was after he told us there was too much risk with having PCA events in Germany and killed the region - despite many members being on active service in Iraq. You figure it out - we just feel screwed. Edit: Yes I am emotional about this and no - I won't ever be persuaded it was fair or necessary.

Then I guess we will have to agree to disagree. Doesn't make much sense to have a Germany region that the US club is responsible for regardless of the number of Americans in the club there. It is not a nationality club. We have people in our regions from all over the world but don't attempt to hold their countries liable. Remember this is a liability issue plain and simple. I can understand your frustration not being able to have the events, etc., but like I said why not start a PCG? If there is such a strong following, you could be one of the "founding fathers"!!! Now that would be cool.

You have missed the point - if it is a liability issue why is PCA now having "official PCA" events in Germany ?? If the issue had been PCA didn't want an overseas region and this was the vote we could live with it. But the decision was about a hypothetical insurance risk. It was so great that there could not be PCA events in Germany. Now we're dead and there are "official PCA" events in Germany. We can't figure why the treffen events are not the risk that PCA Germany Region was. Also nobody wanted to start something new when we had a 40 year old club which was successful. Being shafted when running a successful club - for no explainable reason - kills the spirit a bit. There is a Porsche Club Deutschland (PCD), they run good events and some guys - myself included - have joined PCD. Life goes on. My opinion of senior PCA managmeent is mainly due to the fact that an artificial insurance reason was used when the real reason seems to the same as your view - anything not within your national boundry should be cut off. Good Luck at getting the Canadians out. I won't respond again on this - It won't change anything. On the original question of this thread I will say: RLandis, if you find a region with half of the spirit we had here, you'll have a great time.

The Pacific NorthWest and the Portland regions are great. Lots of events 10DE and 10/11 D.S. per year. Tours and other events. If you like being a part of a group and socializing it can be fun. If you are an introvert it probably is not the place to be.

LVDell: the "rings" are coming to Boston soon:-) I am in Seattle buy raised in Mass.

I agree with you on that respect that some of those in the "suits" tend to not be in touch with the pulse of the regions.....rather just prefer you send in your dues. FYI...not trying to change your mind just understand your side as well. That's one of the great things about the US......ability to voice your side and have the fourm to do it in.

Looking forward to opening day! Can't wait to see those bad boys get presented to the team. Time for a title defense

Good Luck!!!!! I won't get to see the Yanks/Sox, but I'll be at the opening game of the Brewers......my band is singing the anthem......I love all ballparks, old, new, winners, losers, Majors, Minors......as long as there's baseball!!!!!

Totally agree! Nothing like taking in a game (any game) live in a ballpark.

Geez....a RedSox fan, and a Yankee fan agreeing on something.....there's either hope for the world, or we're 2 pussies!!!!

let's go with hope

For me, Its only worth the 15% discount my dealer gives me on parts/service.

Yes, where else can you do this for two days for $200, and get driving lessons as well? https://rennlist.com/forums/racing-and-drivers-education-forum/192634-track-video-from-summit-point.html

Our local PCA is a great group of people. The events are fun. Everything from Concours to the Tech sessions are realy well thought out. The autocross sessions a blast, and track time at Road america and Blackhawk have turned me and my car into track time fanatics. Join!!!!!!

I've enjoyed being a member of the Dallas area PCA (Maverick Region). I most enjoy the DE events and I must say that I've met some pretty nice and interesting people. The discount I received when I had the PSE installed on my car was more than the membership fees/dues. The way I figure it, I'm ahead so far.

Do most dealer give you discounts on parts/and or service if your a PCA member?

Can't speak for all dealers, but my Chicago and Atlanta dealers have always given me 15% parts/service discount.

It is worthwhile joining PCA for the social aspect and the DE events. The price to join is nominal and Panaroma has a lot of For Sale Cars in it which keeps you up to date on the current values of your P car. The tech sessions are a real learning experience too and the holiday parties are good events. Plus at some dealers if you are a current member you get a 10 percent discount on parts. Cabman